The 2005 Syrah also spent 12 months in new French oak. It sports an aromatic array of toasty oak, lavender, mineral, spice box, and blueberry muffin. This is followed by a full-bodied, rich, dense wine with tons of spicy blue fruit, pepper, cinnamon, and licorice. Balanced, relatively forward, and easy-to-understand, it can be enjoyed now but should age gracefully for a decade. The Arrayan wines are produced by La Casa de Las Cuatro Rayas.Importer: Casa Ventura, Bellingham, WA; tel. (360) 303-1760

Licorice and other sweet, dark, unusual aromas set this Syrah on its way. Flavors of raisin and fig tell you that it’s ripe, but the mouthfeel is controlled by sharp, wayward acidity. Finishes with additional licorice and cooked caramel flavors, and as a whole it lacks some balance and a game plan.——M.S.(6/1/2009)—— 85